Boost to biodiversity around Hussainsagar

Hyderabad: With more than 50 species of birds seen in and around Hussainsagar, biodiversity around the lake has improved. Apart from snakes, geckos, lizards, skunks and turtles, aquatic birds are seen all over the lake, especially in Sanjeevaiah Park and Jal Vihar areas.

Chief engineer of HMDA, B.L.N. Reddy, explained, “During the night hours, turtles are sometimes found in the garden at the BPP office. The undisturbed far end of Lake View Park has become a habitat for several non-poisonous snakes. Some snakes emerge during the flooding of the nalas.

“Through larger awareness on the ecology of Hussainsagar, visitors should understand that there is nature and life also,” he said. The Buddha Purnima Project wing of the HMDA has proposed to install underwater cameras and hidden cameras, and link them with LCD screens at public places.

“With this, people will be able to see the biodiversity without disturbing them. These systems are also useful for monitoring rare birds and other life. An open exhibition is being planned at Lumbini Park to display the pictures of the biodiversity,” the chief engineer added.

At least 100 black kites have been seen at Sanjeevaiah park along with bats at the NTR Memorial. Dr N. Sai Bhaskar Reddy, expert in geo-ecology and team member of JICA said, “The ecology and biodiversity of Hussainsagar are based on intensive observations made in the last six months.

Photos were also taken covering most parts of the lake, including underwater photos to cover fishes. The observations were made by stakeholders associated with the project, since its beginning in 2007.”